Lost luggage: how to file a claim in 3 steps

Fill out the PIR before leaving arrivals

The PIR must be requested at the airline's Lost & Found desk, not the airport operator's, and contains a code that allows you to track the search through the SITA WorldTracer system, used by most airlines worldwide. It's worth providing an accurate description of the suitcase (color, brand, distinctive marks) and the exact address where you want it delivered, checking that the contact details have been entered correctly before leaving the counter.

Reimbursement of immediate expenses

Many airlines offer reimbursement for purchasing essentials (clothes, toiletries) in the first few hours of waiting, but conditions vary from airline to airline: it's best to ask for it explicitly at the counter and keep every receipt, as it will be required for reimbursement.

What happens after 21 days

If the baggage is not found within 21 days from the date it should have been delivered, the Montreal Convention considers it legally lost and entitles you to compensation up to a limit of approximately 1,519 SDR (Special Drawing Rights, equivalent to approximately 1,900-2,000 euros at current exchange rates) for the value of the contents. For details on the limits, it's worth reading the page on the Montreal Convention liability limits.

The step that really makes the difference is just one: don't leave the airport without the completed PIR, because without that code the search doesn't start and any later claim is invalid.